Support to the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) for Strengthening its Activities in Africa

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

As part of Finland’s human rights-based foreign and security policy, Finland chairs the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) in 2021. The FOC is a multilateral coalition of 32 governments working to advance free, open and safe internet. In accordance with its chairship priorities and as a continuation of Finland’s pursuits to deepen cooperation with African countries, Finland supports strengthening of the FOC activities in Africa with a contribution of 45 000 euros in 2020. The funding is directed to supporting the organization of internet freedom events and workshops in Africa, supporting the engagement of African civil society in the FOC activities and increasing the visibility of the FOC priorities and the Coalition’s 10th anniversary in Africa. The aim of the activities is to deepen the FOC's interaction and dialogue with African countries and to find new perspectives and ways for African actors to strengthen cooperation with the FOC. The project is carried out by Global Partners Digital, which currently serves as the FOC Support Unit, a neutral, third party secretariat to the Coalition.